DB4 GT Bertone Jet

(1961)

The highest number DB4 GT chassis (DB4GT/0201/L) was dispatched to the famous Italian coachbuilder, Bertone shortly before Christmas, 1960. And within a few short weeks, a fabulous notchback coupe body, reminiscent of Bertone bodied Ferraris of the time was added. At that time, the car, finished in light green with contrasting grey interior, was exhibited at the 1961 Geneva Salon.

DB4 GT Bertone Jet

The ‘Jet’ as it was known was principally the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro was also shown at the Turin show in the same year. Unusually for an Aston Martin, the Jet has a body not of aluminium, but of steel which actually makes the car slightly heavier than the standard DB4 GT. You may wish to contrast this car with the only other Aston Martin designed by Giugiaro, the twenty-twenty, unveiled at the 2001 Geneva Salon, exactly forty years after the Jet. And of course, Bertone produced the V12 Vanquish based Jet2 in 2004 and Rapide based Jet 2+2 in 2013.

After a life on the exhibition circuit, the car spent time in the USA and then perhaps also Beirut of all places. After being unseen for sometime, it finally arrived at AML Works Service in 1986 where it has rebuilt to the highest standards. Not surprisingly, it has subsequently won awards at concourse events worldwide.

These photographs were taken at Le Mans, 1995, the Works open day, also in 1995, on the AML stand at Coys Historic Festival, 1998, Pebble Beach 2007, and the Silverstone AMOC track parade for the DB4 in 2008.

This important car was the star lot in the Bonhams Aston Martin auction during May 2013. It went on to play a staring role during the Aston Martin Centenary Celebration in July 2013 parked with Jet 2 and Jet 2+2, the very first time that the three Bertone Jet cars have been seen together.